4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007)
Directed by Cristian Mungiu
****1/2

So, I'd like to apologize. I spoke too soon several months ago. I have now seen the best film of 2007, and of that I'm certain. This Romanian realist masterpiece scooped up the Palme d'Or from Cannes last year, and just a few days ago it also succeeded in pulling out the rug from under my soul. It sounds a bit much, I realize. But the two hours I spent with this Romanian film about two college roommates was far more than I expected it to be — far subtler, far more meaningful, far more timeless, far and away the best film of the year. For me, at least.

But how can I speak about a film like this? I don't know whether to recommend it to you or not, for the content may be troubling for some. Well, it should be troubling for everyone, but too difficult to manage for some.

How can I try to tell you the story, when the film succeeds so wonderfully because you don't know what's happening from the very beginning? Events play out in real time, and film hasn't felt this real since de Sica or Renoir. It's true the film is an artistic masterpiece, but won't many people go into it then thinking it's going to be 'artsy' when in fact it's going to be profoundly human?

It touches on abortion, it's true, as well as the many ways people tried to salvage their humanity in 1987 communist Romania. It's a period film, but quietly — not in the Spielberg style ("Look at all of these period items I've found! Most are still in working order! This car, for instance, watch it run, and such a beautiful interior!") — but rather in the graceful style that realizes the story is what is important, and if all of the backdrops, cars, buildings and so on happen to be from 1987...well, that's part of it, too.

Ultimately, the film has the depth of multiple layers (historical, psychological, dramatic irony, what-ifs, etc), so that I can already tell repeat viewings will only enrich the experience. And it's beautiful, with many still and moving shots worthy of Tarkovsky. The camera will meander down an alleyway to follow our main character, and then linger as she runs across a field to catch the bus. Or perhaps it just looks askance at her in the mirror, embodying the perspective that we're feeling. But, inexplicably, 4 Months manages to come across as spontaneously as if it were a real-time documentary which somehow stumbled across a timelessly moving, perceptive, overwhelming plotline.

Should you see it? I couldn't say (if in doubt, don't; this is not for the faint of heart). Will you like it, or even love it? Well, many have, but others who prefer American-style films have felt it was a waste of time. Is it brilliant? Yes, and I'm happy to present you with my clear vote for Best of 2007.

Comments

[Neville]

Yeah, I had this at number 3 or 4 when I made my top ten list of 2007. I've watched it again....and it's really a better film than those three or four that I put before it. For once in a long while, I agree with you Will. It is/was the best film of 2007.